The Parkari Kohlis are one of many tribal peoples in Sindh, Pakistan, who live in an on-going state of liminality; that is geographically, religiously, economically, politically and socially they live on the edge. Even the oppression they endure as bonded laborers leaves them in liminality as their resilience to their present suffering reveals their longing for a better future.
January 4, 2021
The latest letter of Pope Francis, his Encyclical, Fratelli Tuttii “Brothers and Sisters All,” is one that should touch every heart, stimulate our minds, awaken our conscience, warm our emotions and motivate us to do good and make this a happier, just and better world. Can we humans ever unite as one humanity to change the world and together reach out to the downtrodden and the poor? Can we work together to lift from suffering the wounded, the excluded, the marginalized and unwanted, rejected, poor people in our neighborhood, community, town and city? That is the challenge posed by the letter
January 4, 2021
When we look at the scene of the baptism of Jesus as depicted by Christian artists the important figures seem to be Jesus, John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove. The paintings all emphasize the intimate relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
January 4, 2021
God takes us beyond what our minds can imagine
beyond the limits we put on our hearts
knowing that the cosmos and all earth creatures
are brother and sister as St. Francis knew.
January 4, 2021
Lord Jesus,
Who was born for us in a stable,
lived for us a life of pain and sorrow,
and died for us upon a cross;
say for us in the hour of death,
"Father, forgive,"
and to Your Mother,
"Behold your child."
Say to us,
"This day you shall be with Me in paradise."
Dear Savior, leave us not, forsake us not.
January 3, 2021
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew You,
before you were born I dedicated You…”
We can say the same is true for us.
The Lord has chosen each one of us
for a special purpose.
At times we feel at a loss.
We think the Lord is absent.
Does the Lord really care?
January 2, 2021
St. Gregory, you are known for your zeal
for the Catholic faith, love of liturgy,
and compassion and mercy toward those in need.
Please help and guide us
so that we may share in these virtues
and thereby bring Jesus into the hearts
of our families and all we encounter.
We especially ask for blessings on our parish family,
our priests and our deacons.
January 1, 2021
O God, who through the fruitful virginity
of Blessed Mary bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy to receive
the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity
December 31, 2020
Dear God, thank You for making
all things new.
Thank You for all that You've allowed
into our lives this past year,
the good along with the hard things.
The coronavirus, the isolation and the unrest
of 2020 have reminded us how much
we need You and rely on Your presence
filling us every single day.
We pray for Your Spirit to lead us
December 30, 2020
Dear Jesus,
You came to show the real meaning of life.
You came to bring forgiveness and healing to a broken world.
By your giving of yourself even to the point of death,
you save us and bring the promise of new life.
May your touch and example embolden us
in facing the challenge of the coronavirus.
Amen.
— By Columban Fr. John Comiskey
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.